Architecture and Engineering students flocked the Pakighinabi room at the 3rd floor of the Community Center last September 14, 2018 as Architect Henna S. Dazo from the Mindanao Architecture Advocacy Network (MAAN) presented the Mindanao Architecture Style Guide discussion which highlighted the different styles and designs of Mindanaoan houses to the audience.

Accompanying Ms. Dazo during the discussion was Mr. Billy Ray Malacura from the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in which he helped discuss the cultural significance of these designs which were mainly from the tribes of Ata, Bagobo, Maranao, Tausug and Yakan.

Dazo emphasized that their group wanted to preserve as much of the Mindanao culture identity as the modern age tend to make it less grounded.

“Di dapat ka maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan. Daghan man gud mi nameet na students na maulaw sa ilang tribal heritage na dapat dili. Sila ang mga people na ginatry namo reach out para maging proud pud sila about their culture and identity as Mindanaon” Dazo added.

Malacura was delighted with the amount of audience turnout during the session along with the quality of discussion during the event. He also urged the community, inside and outside the university, to come and see the Muhon exhibit in the Rodriguez Hall.

“The Metropolitan Museum’s slogan kasi is “Art for All” and by extension, this slogan aims to bring the context and content of the Muhon exhibit outside of Manila. It is our advocacy to initiate this discussion among the community if we are moving on with development and are we compromising the value of the old structures which also helps us identify ourselves as Mindanaoan and ultimately the structures become the “Muhon” of our identities”. Malacura further explained

The event is the second lecture under the Muhon initiative and will be followed by two more to be held on October 5 and 12. The latter discussion will conclude the two-month exhibit of Muhon.